Orientation is the first part of the orientation process designed to assist you in making a comfortable transition to University life at UMSL. It is a one-day mandatory program for first-year students who will be enrolling in the fall or spring semester at UMSL. Sessions are designed to offer information to assist you in your transition to University of Missouri-St. Louis. Orientation Leaders will serve as hosts and share their experiences with new students. Administrators and faculty will also be present at sessions throughout the day to answer questions and give you advice about your educational future.

Each of the Orientation sessions will accommodate approximately 100 new students and their family members. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the Orientation session.

2018 (NSO) Dates (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Students can stay in Oak Hall beginning at 4 pm the night prior to a NSO session for an additional $25 cost. This will include a night to explore campus including the Recreation and Wellness Center, Dinner in the Residence Hall, Treats of St. Louis, Pool Party at Oak Hall, and sleep overnight in a Residence Hall room. We do not have housing option for parents/family members and ask that they join their students the next day at New Student Orientation Check-in.

Overnight: Monday, June 4, NSO: Tuesday, June 5

Overnight: Wednesday, June 20, NSO: Thursday, June 21

Overnight: Friday, June 22: NSO: Saturday, June 23

NSO Expectations

Student Participants:

All first time students (freshman) are required to attend (NSO) before registering for classes.

Students must attend all scheduled NSO activities in order to register for classes. Those who do not will be asked to attend another NSO session.

Parent and Family Participants:

Parent and Family members's attendance at NSO is optional, but encouraged. Parents and family members should support the effort of NSO staff in helping students transition to life at University of Missouri-St. Louis and refrain from encouraging students to miss required NSO activities.

Parents and family members are not permitted to attend academic advising and registration activities with their student during NSO. Relationships between academic advisors and students are essential to their success, and we begin the development of this relationship at NSO. During the NSO program, parents and family members will learn more about the General Education program, receive information from their student's advisor and share their thoughts with their student in the morning of NSO.

Academic Advising

By the time you attend Orientation, your advisor already knows your name. You may have even met electronically or in person. Your advisor will help you learn to navigate campus, your academic preparation, course preferences, and your advisor's knowledge of University requirements will come together as your craft an UMSL academic plan.

Before you meet with an academic advisor, please read the Bulletin to review university course descriptions, academic requirements, and general education requirements at www.umsl.edu/bulletin. After all, you want to be in the driver's seat as you plan your educational path!

The questionnaire you fill out while registering for NSO will be used by the advisors to come up with a tentative class schedule for you. During your Orientation experience, you will have time to sit down and finalize your schedule and ask any final questions. If you would like to meet individually with an academic advisor prior to Orientation to have preliminary discussions, please contact your specific college.

Check-in for Orientation will be held at 8:00 a.m. of each session and will conclude at 5:00 p.m., so please make travel plans accordingly. Student must stay for the entire day or will have to make up the session.

• Check-In

• Photo for TritonCard

• Welcome

• I Chose UMSL

• Introduction to Academic Life

• Money Matters

• Triton Technology

• Resource Expo and Lunch in the Nosh

• Academic Advising session in Academic Buildings

• Parent and Family Breakout sessions

• Parent and Family Reception in the Bookstore

• Closing Session

• Evaluations and Checklist Items

Breakfast and Lunch are provided at New Student Orientation for student and guests.

Parent and Family Program: Parents, family and guests are encouraged to attend NSO with their student and participate in a special program designed just for them.

After you have registered online for your NSO date, you will receive an immediate confirmation email. A week prior to your Orientation date, please check your UMSL email account for a reminder and update regarding your Orientation session.

If you need to change or reschedule your NSO date, please email orientation@umsl.edu or call 314-516-5291. Please let us know if you have any questions prior to your NSO session date. We look forward to meeting you this summer!

You must bring a form of photo ID (valid driver's license, state ID, passport) with you to obtain your Triton One Card

Casual clothing for 90° to 100° weather

Comfortable shoes

Sweater (for air-conditioned rooms)

If you have a documented disability and would like more information about obtaining accommodations suitable for one with a disability during NSO, or addressing other concerns that may be applicable in the fall, review the information about the Disability Access Services. Please contact their office for any additional questions or concerns.